Pope Francis will be laid to rest on Saturday after three days of lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. Many people are expected to gather to honor the first Latin American pope in history. He passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following a stroke that left him in a coma and caused his heart to fail. Before this, he had been recovering from pneumonia and made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, where he greeted followers from his popemobile.
The funeral will take place at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals. Notable attendees will include U.S. President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei. In the days leading up to the funeral, cardinals gathered to discuss the next steps in choosing Francis’ successor. According to church rules, the conclave to elect the new pope must occur between May 5 and 10.
Pope Francis, known for his humble approach and focus on social issues, had a significant impact during his 12-year papacy. He aimed to bring the church back to its core mission of serving the poor. Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi highlighted that one of Francis’ legacies will be his efforts to promote the role of women in the church. Francis expressed a wish to be buried near the Madonna icon at St. Mary Major Basilica, a place he cherished and visited regularly.
Following his death, tributes poured in from around the world. Bells tolled in churches and flags were flown at half-mast in several countries, including Italy and the United States. Leaders praised his moral leadership, while everyday people remembered his kindness and humanity.
In East Timor, President Jose Ramos-Horta commended Francis for his courage and willingness to speak out against injustice. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu noted how Francis called for compassion and justice globally, emphasizing the importance of caring for our planet.
As the world mourns, the cardinals will soon begin the process of selecting the next pope. After the funeral, there will be nine days of mourning, during which the cardinals will gather privately before the conclave begins. The election process involves secret voting, and once a new pope is chosen, the announcement will be made from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica with the words “Habemus Papam,” meaning “We have a pope.”
Pope Francis’ passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, and his legacy will continue to inspire many around the globe.